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About Electrical and Computer Engineering

The department offers undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Applied Science, BASc) in the core areas of electrical engineering and computer engineering, and jointly runs interdisciplinary undergraduate programs in software engineering, mechatronics, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. All of our undergraduate students are in Waterloo’s world-renowned co-operative study program, participating in up to six four-month work terms that alternate with their study terms. As a result, our students graduate with considerable experience in the practical application of their skills, while gaining comfort and familiarity with the job-seeking and interview skills that are critical to their careers.

At the graduate level, research students have the choice of several core areas of specialization, and the opportunity to study emerging disciplines such as sustainable energy, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Working closely with faculty supervisors, our 700 graduate students contribute to research in:

Antennas, microwaves, and wave optics

Communications and information systems

Computer hardware

Computer software

Circuits and systems, including computer-aided design

Nanotechnology

Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (PAMI)

Power and energy systems

Quantum information

Silicon devices and integrated circuits

Systems and controls

Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)

Wireless communications

We also offer a professional graduate program, enabling students to complete a Master of Engineering degree in electrical and computer engineering, with optional Graduate Diplomas in:

Computer networking and security

Management sciences

Software engineering

Sustainable energy

Professionals working in power generation and delivery may also wish to consider online study to obtain a Master of Engineering degree in electrical power engineering.